Tintagel Castle, Where History and Legend Meet

By Joseph Anthony Salazar, AIT English Language School

Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor to rule in Italy, lost his empire to Flavius Odoacer in the Battle of Ravenna in the year 476. According to traditional history, this battle marked the end of the Ancient Roman Empire. Young Augustulus was only sixteen years old when he was forced to abdicate his throne.

Legend, however, says that Augustulus fled Italy and travelled to Britannia under the protection of Aurelius, a general of the Nova Invicta Legion. Both men were also accompanied by a magic-practicing Druid called Ambrosinus, who had journeyed to Italy to find and protect the sword of Julius Caesar. The sword contained a Latin inscription, which in part read: E X CALIVR

In Britannia, young Augustulus uses the sword of Julius Caesar to unite the land. He becomes King Pendragon, father of King Arthur, and Ambrosinus adopts his Druid name, Merlin.

Tintagel Castle

This is, of course, only legend. However, the beautiful, rugged coastline of Cornwall in south-west England hides a castle where the history and legend of King Arthur are inseparable. Tintagel Castle is located on a tiny peninsula which projects out into the Cornish Sea. It is without a doubt one of the most spectacular ancient sites anywhere in Britain. Its historic association with legendary King Arthur make it a place certainly worth visiting.

Gateway to the castle

From about the 5th to the 7th century AD, Tintagel Castle was an important fortress as well as the probable residence of the rulers of Cornwall. Likely, this is what inspired the writer Geoffrey of Monmouth to name Tintagel Castle as the place where King Arthur was conceived with the help of Merlin. Since then, tales of this legendary King have shrouded the castle in mists of romance.

Stairs and bridge to the castle

Today, ruined walls are all the remain of this fascinating castle. But the views of the Cornish coastline are spectacular, as is the bronze statue of King Arthur clutching the sword of Excalibur. So why not include the beautiful county of Cornwall on your next visit to Britain. Be inspired by its charm, its history and of course, its magic.